From the time that an architect becomes licensed, they are required to use a stamp to place an official seal on work that they are either directly or indirectly responsible for. There are exceptions that do not require the seal of the architect including:
- Farm buildings such as barns and sheds
- Renovations or alterations that will not affect the structure or safety features of the building
- Detached, single or two-family dwellings
For those projects that must be marked, there are specifications that apply to the design of the Delaware architecture stamp seals that the architect must strictly adhere to. These include the size of the size of the seal. The diameter of the seal must be 1 and 15/16 inches but it must be placed on a 2-inch dimeter seal.
Required Details for Delaware Architecture Stamp Seals
In addition to the size requirements, there are also specifications as to what must be written on Delaware architecture stamp seals. The architect’s legal name must be used along with their unique registration number. The seal must also include the phrase “Registered Architect—State of Delaware.” The design must also have the name of the architect in the top arc of the seal and the registration number below it.
In the event that the architect’s registration is revoked, suspended or non-renewed, they must return their Certificate of Registration, license, and Delaware architecture stamp seals to the Delaware Board of Architects. The seal is closely associated with the registration and license and the responsibilities that accompany them.
How Architects Use Delaware Architecture Stamp Seals
Whether the architect is working independently or as a member of a firm, their seal will be used on documents that they have worked on personally or which they have overseen. Their name, signature, and date will appear with their seal on plans, reports, and specifications. Some stamps make an embossed image onto the paper that you can feel when you run your hand across it. Others simply stamp ink onto the paper and they do not indent the surface.
Like many other states, Delaware offers architects a choice in using an embossing seal or a rubber stamp. There are many styles of both types of stamps that the architect may choose based on ease of use, quality of the seal it produces, or the number of seals it will produce without adding ink. Most of these come in a choice of ink colors and are made to meet the board specifications for the state.
Significance of Delaware Architecture Stamp Seals
In order to achieve licensure and registration, an architect in Delaware has obtained a great deal of information and proven their capability of performing their job in a way that is fair, safe and legal. The details of the Delaware architecture stamp seals used on documents related to their projects reflect the responsibility of the architect to use their knowledge and skills in a way that is safe and beneficial to the public.
The architect should limit their purchase to Delaware architecture stamp seals that are guaranteed to meet the requirements of the board and the state of Delaware. Although there are many styles of embossing seals and rubber stamps to choose from, the specifics of the seal itself must be followed exactly.
Acorn Sales offers a wide variety of Delaware architecture stamp seals that are guaranteed to abide by state regulations and meet all specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Delaware architecture stamp seal requirements for licensed architects?
Delaware licensed architects must use a seal on work they are directly or indirectly responsible for, unless the project qualifies for an exception. The seal must include the architect’s legal name, unique registration number, and the phrase “Registered Architect—State of Delaware.” It should also match the state’s required format and be used only on documents the architect has personally worked on or overseen.
How large should a Delaware architect seal be?
The Delaware architect seal must measure 1 and 15/16 inches in diameter and be placed on a 2-inch diameter seal format. Because the size and layout must follow board specifications exactly, it’s important to choose a seal made specifically for Delaware compliance.
What information has to appear on a Delaware architecture stamp seal?
A compliant Delaware architecture stamp seal must include the architect’s legal name, registration number, and the wording “Registered Architect—State of Delaware.” The architect’s name should appear in the top arc of the seal, with the registration number positioned below it. Using any missing or incorrect details can cause approval delays.
When is a Delaware architect seal not required?
Common exceptions include farm buildings such as barns and sheds, renovations or alterations that do not affect the structure or safety features of the building, and detached single-family or two-family dwellings. If a project falls outside these exceptions, the architect seal and signature will usually be required for submission.
Can Delaware architects use either an embossing seal or a rubber stamp?
Yes, Delaware architects may use either an embossing seal or a rubber stamp, as long as the seal meets state requirements. Some professionals prefer embossing seals for a raised impression, while others choose rubber stamps for convenience, ink visibility, and easier repeat use on plans and specifications.
Why does it matter if a Delaware architect’s license is revoked, suspended, or not renewed?
If an architect’s registration is revoked, suspended, or non-renewed, they must return their Certificate of Registration, license, and Delaware architecture stamp seals to the Delaware Board of Architects. Since the seal is tied to active licensure, it should only be used by currently authorized architects on compliant project documents.
